In February of this year I lost my aunt. Justine was a force to be reckoned with and made a chocolate chip cookie like no other you have ever tasted. Although she loved to bake her greatest love was her dogs, none more so than the wild and rambunctious Scooby. In her last few months, when she was confined to her hospital bed, the hound's visits to the hospital brought a smile to her face and distracted her from the discomfort for a few happy hours. Her neighbouring ward mates also took great pleasure from watching the ridiculous dog and the mood of the whole hospital wing was lightened. 

On September the 17th I shall be running (or shuffling) the Richmond Marathon and in her memory I am raising money for Pets as Therapy so others might experience the joy, comfort, or in Scooby's case humour, that animals can bring. Every little counts so shake out your piggy banks, dig into your pockets, or better yet your bank accounts, and give me a cheeky sponsorship. I'm so very grateful for any and all donations! 

As much as I am sure Scooby would enjoy running with me the rules state that dogs cannot enter the marathon and so the poor dog shall be watching on the sideline. Even if you can't donate, come and say hi, share a few beers with my family and watch the race!